Principal Ornithologist

GreenJobs Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Ornithologist to manage diverse projects ranging from energy generation to biodiversity plans. The ideal candidate will have consultancy experience in ornithology, strong field survey skills, and be proficient in project management. The role includes mentoring junior staff and offers flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements. Salary ranges from £39,000 to £46,000 (FTE).

Benefits

Generous bonuses

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in ornithology or ecology consultancy.
• Demonstrated field survey expertise.
• Proven project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and client communications.
• Plan and coordinate field surveys.
• Mentor junior staff and manage data.

Skills

Ornithology consultancy experience

Field survey expertise

Project management skills

Collaborative skills

Job description

About the Role

Our client’s ecology team is passionate about creating opportunities for wildlife and people to thrive together. With teams across London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, they support diverse projects at local and national levels, applying emerging ecological principles to challenging policy and development projects.

As the Principal Ornithologist, you will be working on a broad range of exciting projects from energy generation to historic building restoration, regenerative agriculture, and strategic biodiversity plans, covering habitats from Scottish and Welsh uplands to central London and surveying protected species from bats to osprey.

The Principal Ornithologist, based in Bristol, Cardiff, or Manchester, will contribute to the highly respected ornithology team while engaging with the wider UK ecology portfolio. Responsibilities include project management, client communications, planning and coordinating field surveys, mentoring junior staff, data management, reporting, and business development.

Applicants should have ornithology or ecology consultancy experience, field survey expertise, and project management skills. The role offers participation generous bonuses and flexible working options, including hybrid and part-time arrangements. Salary: 39,000–46,000 (FTE).

Candidates should be committed to high-quality science, net-zero goals, biodiversity conservation, and human well-being, with practical knowledge of UK birds, fieldwork experience, and collaborative skills.

To find out more, please upload your CV or contact David Mattinson.